Suitable for finishing the end products of both laser sintering (LS) and HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) processes, VPS technology is a step forward for 3D prints that rival the quality of injection molded parts.

Close-up of a part finished with VaporFuse Surfacing technology. Photo via DyeMansion

PolyShot vs. VaporFuse

With the addition of VPS, DyeMansion now offers two surface finishes to its customers.

PolyShot Surfacing (PSS) is a mechanical finishing process that gives parts a matte surface, and enables the addition of vibrant colors, now covering the entire RAL spectrum.

With VPS, however, DyeMansion introduces a glossy finish to 3D prints – a feature typically uncharacteristic of objects made using LS and MJF due to their powdered feedstocks.

Comparison of SLS 3D printed parts by EOS. From left to right: Object as printed (white), object as printed with coloring only, colored object with PSS finish and colored object with VPD finish. Photo via DyeMansion

Achieving a smooth surface finish

As the name suggests, DyeMansion’s VPS technology uses an industry-safe solvent to treat the surface of 3D printed parts. This solvent dissolves particles on the surface of 3D printed parts. As Dr. Alena Folger, R&D Chemist at DyeMansion, explains, this gives “the polymer chains have a sufficiently high mobility and rearrange at the surface.”

In this process, surface area and energy is reduced, simultaneously smoothing out these particles. The end result, adds Dr. Folger, is “3D printed parts with a closed, smooth surface.” These parts have a high scratch resistance, and are completely water repellent, features particularly desired in the medical sector, and consumer areas like fashion and sports equipment.

Dr. Alena Folger, R&D Chemist at DyeMansion. Photo via DyeMansion

The future of 3D printing: end-use applications

Integrated within DyeMansion’s Print-to-Product workflow, VPS is compatible with a wide range of materials, from tough PA12 (as with PSS) to TPU and other soft materials.

In closing Felix Ewald, CEO and co-founder of DyeMansion, comments, We at Dyemansion believe that the future of additive manufacturing […] is more about the appropriate finish for final end-use parts and applications.”